The truth about a complex built for veterans and the middle class and how it has evolved through the years to become one of the more interesting and controversial of New York stories.

Comment Policy

All comments to posts have to await approval. Please be aware that, depending on when I'm logged onto the internet, it may take me hours, even longer, to moderate comments, so if they don't turn up in a speedy fashion, they are still in the queue. Comments that cross a line I'm not comfortable with will not get approved.

NOTE: Comments reflect the opinions of the person writing them and should not be assumed to reflect the opinion of the blog. Because of the anonymous nature of the commentary, specific agendas can be pushed by a sole individual and may not reflect a more popular belief by the residents of this community.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

It's a Secret!

Yeah, I know. That's the way "things are done." But why is everything a secret around here? Why was the Tenants Association decision to go with Brookfield kept a secret until the deed was done? Why are the discussions Councilman Dan Garodnick had with the Dept of Buildings over the Greenmarket and zoning not available anywhere in a spirit of transparency? Why are the negotiations on the Roberts' decision, and any movement on it or non-movement, merely a persistent "no comment" from the principles involved in these negotiations? Why are those tenants waiting for the financial resolution of the Roberts' decision (for some, important as to whether they renew their lease) being kept continually in the dark? Why is CW Capital silent on its intent regarding this complex and whether it welcomes, or not, a tenant bid on the complex? Why does CW Capital and management not send out timely press releases, with details, on what is going to be developing/built/"refreshed" in Stuy Town/PCV and what residents can expect to see in a month or a few months' time or later?

Most everything is a damn secret around here until it gets actualized. Secrecy like this compels tons of gossip (which can veer off into tangential ridiculousness), and destabilizes and demoralizes a tenant body that is on edge over what changes may or may not be around the corner. Tenants--young, old, new renters, long-time renters--are being treated like little children who must not know unless there's a critical need to know. Not good.

Shhhh, This is a big secret. The TA couldn't muster up enough voters to make a quorum so they have to extend the voting period as they go around and try and convince people to vote. Talk about failed leadership and apathy!

But I don't know who and what you are demanding be told and when? I don't really understand "who" is or isn't getting told. It's not Dan's duty to distribute press releases after every meeting or post on this board. It's not the lawyers' duty to summarize every court appearance for us residents. It's not within the TA's power, given they are a volunteer organization, to take notes at every house meeting and post all the questions and answers. Hold your own house meeting if you want one. I don't know what information you are hoping gets "disclosed."

Obviously, I'm not talking about Rose/CW, because they clearly wouldn't share anything before it happens. But really, I think you are imposing an undue burden on I don't know don't even know "who." Dan has dozens of meetings/day. The lawyers may not have anything interesting to tell us or it may be too premature. Same with the TA. They don't have to keep minutes of every single conversation they have.

Start attending these meetings, court appearances, calling your own meetings, etc. if you want information. And then report back to us.

that's exactly why I decided to run for the TA board - a promise of transparency on all things. As residents, we have a right to know everything at all times, including who is talking to who, what the current thinking is, ect. Sure, there are lots of things that are still not yet resolved, but residents have a right to know what is going on.

The TA elections have been extended until May 23rd, so if you have not voted, please consider me as one of your choices.

The answer to your question...why no transparency...universal & simple. Making moves. It's a part of the whole ego thing. They know a bunch of people will be affected, and it's a power boost when they finally whip it on you, and they see people react, affected, and then they can view themselves one more time (in their own minds) as powerful and making moves.

that's exactly why I decided to run for the TA board - a promise of transparency on all things. As residents, we have a right to know everything at all times, including who is talking to who, what the current thinking is

Well with thinking like that, you can be assured that not much will be accomplished and people who deal with these issues will simply stop dealing with them. I don't know what Mr. Michaane does for a living but I can't imagine that surely, whatever business he is in does not reveal all to all of its customers, clients etc.

The TA is "elected" by residents and should be doing a better job of distributing information, however, they come across as self-interested individuals who are only concerned about their needs and the needs of those that "voted" for them. If they were taken seriously, there wouldn't be a need to extend the elections.

Councilman Garodnick is a public official and absolutely MUST distribute press releases before something happens. Big failure on his part.

With regard to CW, residents need to realize that we DO NOT own the property. For all intents and purposes CW does and they can do what they want as long as it's legal and they DO NOT need to seek our opinion or approval.

It's time to realize that as with like most things, the PCVST of the past is long gone and we need to move on. Quite frankly, this idea that we will own our apartments has so many hurdles that most of us will be long gone, in one form or another, before that ever sees the light of day.

Nice post STR. I don't agree with all your assertions but I get the sentiment.

At the very least, Rose could give tenants more details on Oval plans, landscaping progress, reminders on dog rules, etc., in their weekly newsletter and on the website. I think everyone would find this equally or more important than info on the latest special event.

As for the TA, I don't take issue with them selecting Brookfield. They were elected, and have this authority, like it or not.

And I would think them not very savvy if they provided details on the bidding process. If you were going to make an offer on a house, you wouldn't share your intended offer or contract terms in a public place. Maurice, sorry, but you don't sound like a very experienced negotiator. Total transparency just shows one's hand and possibly jeopardizes a deal.

That said, more communication from the TA would be most appreciated, even if it's "things are taking a little longer than planned, and we hope to have an update by X date."

It would be nice to hear from CW, but their obligation is to the bondholders, not us.

Me, I'm thrilled to have the Greenmarket; I consider it a real amenity and feel pretty certain that Greenmarket detractors are in the minority. As far as I'm concerned Dan G. represented my interests here and I don't need or expect to know the details. But obviously others here don't see it that way.

You're totally right STR that the lack of info makes people nervous and breeds gossip (as evidenced here all too frequently).

With no official news (why not?), we can only speculate, but it seems obvious (?) that the ice rink did some serious damage. Last week's mini-golf was originally scheduled for this playground, but had to be moved to Playground 9.

It's great that we have this blog to keep people in ST-PCV informed. But it can also be used by certain interested parties as a vehicle to disinform. Now two commenters have suggested that the election adjournment was due to not having enough voters to make a quorum. That is not my understanding at all. Someone is lying. You have provided the forum STR, so IMO it's your responsibility (and in your best interest if you care about credibility) to clear this up. A quick phone call should be all it takes.

That is classic projection b/c I am saying you folks are the ones feeling entitled to endless time from Dan (who again, has NO duty to issue a press release of every phone conversation he has. He'd never get any actual work done.

And the TA is disorganized, I'll get you that, but they are just working people who are doing this in their spare time. Yes, they have a duty to inform us on the election process, but you somehow think they have the ability to take minutes of every house meeting and post them. No, it's your duty to request a house meeting and learn for yourself.

And because I know this, I have no conspiracy thoughts running through my mind like you do. Everything here is so negative and insulting, every time you don't get exactly what YOU want you start insulting, insinuating, stereotyping everyone else. It's such ineffective "advocacy."

Extending the election for the board of directors seems like a strange development. An election is an election. If ballots are not properly executed by the voter, should they be counted? I'm looking on the TA website for their bylaws but haven't found. All I found so far is this:

Good God...can't believe there's anyone out there dumb enough to believe and actually advocate that the TA was elected & represents the entire community. That comment has to have come from someone on the TA Board. Either dreaming, delusional or completely self-serving. The TA has made itself nothing in all this. Absolutely Nothing!

I think the problem with Danny G. Is that in the beginning of the proposed tenant buy out, he had press conferences, daily press releases, etc.. All under the guise of running for higher office. Months latter after both tenants and public backlash, Dan Garodnick maintains he is working quietly behind the scenes for the tenants. After several flip flop's on important tenant issue's stating its what the tenants want.

If you knew anything about public relations, you'd know you don't maintain a full-court publicity press the entire time. Working behind the scenes IS as important as publicizing in certain cases. And no, you aren't entitled to a blow-by-blow.

What does it mean that the "TA is self serving?" Self serving to whom? To themselves for collecting a salary of zero dollars/year to get slammed by anonymous posters on this blog? The TA seems to work hard with a thankless task - they have fought hard for rent regulations, fighting MCIs, getting rid of the food trucks in the Oval, and positioning tenants for a purchase should a sale ever go through. They don't win every fight, but at least they do fight.

And as to Garodnick - I also don't know what more folks want from him. A daily press conference in the Oval? I mean the guy probably fights harder for his community than any other member of the City Council and we are lucky to have him.

We're really talking about obfuscation by TA apologists. The TA has NEVER been forthcoming about ANY issue with the ST/PCV tenancy. I gave up going to their meetings when it became all too clear that I was simply seeing a repeat of the dog and pony show I saw last time. Maybe if the TA treated the tenants like adults instead of acting like condescending monarchs, there would be a little more understanding and participation by their alleged constituency. Until then, the TA is simply acting out "Kejserens nye Klæder" (google it).

Why don't you TA supporters come off it. Here the TA makes the worst deal of the century...throwing their lot in with a high powered money grubbing real estate firm before they even know what the company intends and then they run around trying to soft-soap everyone & sell what they've done. And now that Brookfield is starting to act like the cagey sharks they are & the tenants see this & are starting to fall away from the TA, you start crying about how hard working the TA is as if that's supposed to make up for the bad judgment & trying to lead tenants down the primrose path. Forget it! Here's another joke. Listen to Garodnick talk about what a sterling job the TA has done leading the effort...as if he's been in the backseat through all of this. Baloney! He's been in the front driving this whole thing from day one. The TA has just been like those old bird novelty items that just bob their its heads up and down.

"TA Apologists?" What are we Chamberlain and the TA are Nazis???? Seriously, get your perspective, please!

And APPLAUSE to 4:38. You said it. Yeah, Dan owes you anonymous cheetohs-eaters a daily press conference on every conversation he had. And I just LOVE the "I gave up going to the meetings because..." So many excuses, and you complain about not getting info? Get your rear to a meeting and ask questions.

I must get more info than you all, because I feel adequately informed and understand the process.

>> Dan owes you anonymous cheetohs-eaters a daily press conference on every conversation he had.<<

That's an absurd exaggeration, which renders a perspective null and void. While Dan doesn't owe anyone a press conference "on every conversation he had," please remember that Garodnick works FOR the people, not the other way around. Sorry for the inconvenience. It was Garodnick himself who stated that he would work with management to MOVE the greenmarket to another area, it was Garodnick himself who stressed the negative effect of having a fee amenity like the ice-rink in a playground that has been historically a free playground since Stuyvesant Town's inception. Somehow, these stances, firm at one time, have been loosened quite a bit.

At the end of the day we have lost a big chunk of the Oval to this so-called "Greenmarket" which could easily be placed off the Oval and isn't up to the level of other local farmers' markets, anyway. And we have lost Playground 10, which was a very popular and well-used FREE playground and we don't know what kind of flim flam deal CW/Rose is thinking up for future use of the space. Right now it is unusable and that in and of itself constitutes a reduction in services we have always had available (and availed ourselves of). Rose and CW are reducing services all the time in their pathetic efforts to wring more money out of the grounds that used to be beautiful and free for residents' use. The TA and Garodnick have done FUCK ALL to address and cure these problems.

Remember the Speyers telling us there was no reason for any residents to be concerned about the future, promising that within one year we would all be extremely pleased with the changes they make to improve and upgrade ST/PCV.

I don't feel screwed AT ALL (other than in rent). But the greenmarket ENHANCES my Sunday Oval experience, I mix and mingle with my neighbors, enjoy the interaction, buy local food. It's a draw for me, not a detraction.

Dan DOES fill us in on things, but you just want more. You love to call everyone "selfish" and "self-entitled." But I can't believe you can't see how you are being these things. And this is how this gets reduced to name-calling, because you don't have an actual reason to complain half the time.

And I completely agree with STR. If you are so hell-bent on fomenting this bitterness, it's your responsibility to go find some answers for yourself. You are now officially a journalist. Act like one and don't tell half truths to fit an agenda. Go find the truth and report now.

The TA has rendered itself impotent by placing itself in the position of interested buyer, kicking the tires while at the same time, pretending to represent tenants day to day interests. If the TA is expecting to negotiate with CW, rhen how xan we expect them to put pressure on CW over QOL issues? BTW, feel free to substitute the word "Garodnick" where you see "TA". The post works either There

If the Greenmarket doesn't make money they won't be back. It can't be advertised off property, the vendors can't advertise it and if we don't buy they'll be gone. Then GrowNYC can move on and destroy someone else's park.

Remember the Speyers were/are pathological liars and as heartless as the devil himself. They tried to put people who were legally renting their apartments out onto the street on all kinds of flimsy pretexts. They even tried to evict a severely disabled lady who had gotten behind with her rent and dragged her through Housing Court. The NYT came to her rescue and helped her sort out a way to catch up on the arrears. The Speyers were/are the most heartless, disgusting, reprehensible bastards who ever drew breath and I just hope that Karma catches up with them.

>>The TA has rendered itself impotent by placing itself in the position of interested buyer, kicking the tires while at the same time, pretending to represent tenants day to day interests. If the TA is expecting to negotiate with CW, rhen how xan we expect them to put pressure on CW over QOL issues?<<

I've wondered for a while now, what the TA would do if it found another Roberts-type infraction, something that would tie up the present and past owners of PCVST in the court system for a good while. Would the TA pursue legal action, or would they leave such action alone, as it would delay considerably, if not remove the possibility of, tenants buying the complex.

It reports the following and so how much more info do you want? Are you saying you don't believe them?

On Friday May 11, 2012 the Stuyvesant Town-Peter Cooper Village Tenants Association convened its Annual Meeting for the purpose of the Election of Directors. At the meeting, a substantial number of proxies could not be exercised because they were not properly executed. As a result, in the interest of fairness and to ensure that every member’s vote is counted, the meeting and the election were adjourned. The meeting will reconvene and the election will take place on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at 7:00 PM at the Neighborhood Services Center located at 300 First Avenue, New York, NY 10009.

Defective proxies as of May 11, 2012 will be returned to the Members and they will be able to cure the defect by signing and returning the proxy by postal mail or by voting in person when the meeting is reconvened. Defective proxies received between May 11th and May 18th will also be returned by mail for curing. After May 18th, due to time constraints, defective proxies will not be returned. The time for the election is extended until the new meeting date. Proxies sent by mail must be received not later than five o’clock PM, Wednesday, May 23, 2012.Members who voted in person on May 11 or who previously submitted a valid proxy do not need to take any further action.

Members who choose to vote by proxy are reminded that they must sign their proxy by initialing or placing their full signature on the back of the proxy envelope and selecting one of the two check boxes. Members who did not vote or send a proxy and who no longer have their ballot may vote in person at the meeting.

Who really cares what the goofy TA is going with its goofy elections? The reason people distrust the TA is because of the way they've handled the whole thing with the conversion. That's been a closed book. They proven that they're nothing more than Garodnick puppets on larger issues. People see the sham and now want little to do with them. They've wrecked their credibility to handle anything bigger than the smallest, isolated issues.

Hall of Shame Award to CWCapital from Stuy Town And Peter Cooper Village Tenants

Awarded for the Roberts Settlement Massacre, in which many tenants received mid-lease rent increases from hundreds to over a thousand dollars, compelling tenants to examine the need to move out with their families at short notice. Doubly awarded for the Oval Park Massacre, in which healthy trees were cut down and plantings viciously uprooted to make way for an institutionalized look of order.

Thinking of Renting in PCVST?

Read Yelp reviews to find out what it's like living here. Please note: As of May 16, there is a suspicius intrusion of what appear to be positive reviews appearing on the PCVST Yelp page that are sourced from a "rewards program" set up by the landlord.

The Other Yelp Reviews

Yelp can be tricky and bounce reviews for a variety of reasons, like being a member and posting just one review. Very often, however, these reviews hold important truths about what's being reviewed. READ THESE TOO.

Banned Dog Breeds in Stuy Town

Cute rottweiler. But... looks like there is some difficulty in enforcing the ban on certain dog breeds allowed inside Stuy Town/Peter Cooper Village. Somehow pitbulls and pitbull mixes have been registered in STPCV and are allowed to be freely walked about the grounds! Another fail of enforcing the rules around here? You decide!

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Stuyvesant Town Newsreel

Read it and Weep

Current Value of ST/PCV

Was 5.4 Billion Dollars when Tishman Speyer bought the place.Became 1.7 Billion Dollars when Tishman Speyer left, with their tail between their legs.Current estimate? Over 2 Billion?

Ex-landlord

Rob Speyer

1947 Stuy Town Plaque Honoring Met Life Chairman F.H. Ecker (Removed in 2002 and never seen again)

"... who with the vision of experience and the energy of youth conceived and brought into being this project, and others like it, that families of moderate means might live in health, comfort and dignity in park-like communities and that a pattern might be set of private enterprise productively devoted to public service."

Co-op/Condo Conversions

Non-Eviction Conversion:
Requires commitment from purchasers for 15% of the apartments. Both rent regulated and market rate tenants are given the opportunity to purchase. Rent regulated tenants cannot be evicted because they choose not to buy. However, the owner is not required to offer a lease renewal to market-rate tenants.
Eviction Conversion:
Requires written commitment from 51% of the tenants in occupancy. All tenants are given the opportunity to purchase. Those who choose not to can be evicted. For rent stabilized tenants who choose not to purchase, they can be evicted within 3 years after the plan is declared effective. However, rent stabilized tenants who are disabled or senior citizens are exempt from eviction. Market rate tenants can be evicted at the end of their lease. Less likely conversion tactic. [The TA insists that any plan they support will be non-eviction.]

I am writing on behalf of everyone at Tishman Speyer to express how honored we are to become part of your outstanding community. We are a business with deep roots in New York, a true love of our city and a great respect for the neighborhoods that make it special. We are committed to maintaining the unique character and environment that have made Peter Cooper Village and Stuyvesant Town such a wonderful place to live for so long. We look forward to providing you an extraordinary level of service and attentiveness that will be the source of pride and satisfaction for the entire community.

Neighborhood Recommendations

New to Stuy Town/Peter Cooper Village? Here are some basic recommendations.

Best supermarket: Associated on 14th St. between 1st Ave. and Ave A. The cheapest prices, fantastic weekly sales, very affordable lunches; solid, responsive management. Some of the young female cashiers have attitude to spare, though. May be too far for Peter Cooper residents.

Best deli: A Stuy Town favorite is Lenz's on 20 St. between the 20 St. Loop. The way New York used to be. Be careful of unwanted "pepper" in your food, however. Lenz's has a B grade rating and was temporarily closed down due to an order from the Health Department. Bruno's on First Avenue is more upscale, with a greater selection of food items (higher-priced, too), but was closed down by the Health Department in June.

Best post office: Forget it! The post office on 14th St. is generally a nightmare, with long lines and, now, even shorter hours.

Disappointments:

The Stuy Town Starbucks on First Ave. is not very cozy, and the music in the morning is too loud and uptempo. Gently awaken the souls off to work....

More recommendations to come!

Macular Degeneration Support Group

If you are currently diagnosed with Macular Degeneration, the New York Eye & Ear Infirmary is offering a support group for you. Conveniently located next to the Peter Cooper Village Stuyvesant Town apartment complex, our group offers the opportunity to share stories with other members, listen to expert guest speakers, and learn coping strategies to reduce stress. Our group runs on the first Wednesday of every month and we would enjoy seeing you there.
Please contact Baptiste Nicolas, Social Work Assistant at 212-979-4105 for further information and to see if this group is right for you!